Content:
- Second Gene Bank
- One Model Gram Panchayat to be developed in each District
Second Gene Bank
Introduction & Announcement
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank during a post-budget webinar (March 2025).
- The initiative aligns with India’s goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
- The decision was made in response to growing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security concerns.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture ,Environment and Ecology)
What is a Gene Bank?
- A gene bank is a repository of genetic material, including seeds, pollen, and tissue samples, to prevent extinction and ensure future availability.
- These banks play a key role in crop breeding, research, and conservation.
- Functions of a Gene Bank:
- Preserves genetic diversity of plants and crops.
- Supports agricultural resilience against climate change.
- Helps in developing high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
- Contributes to global food security and biodiversity conservation efforts.
India’s Existing National Gene Bank
- First National Gene Bank was established in 1996 under ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi.
- The facility has 12 regional stations for germplasm collection and storage.
- As of January 2025, it holds 0.47 million (4.7 lakh) accessions of plant material, categorized as:
- Cereals: 0.17 million
- Millets: 60,600+
- Legumes: 69,200+
- Oilseeds: 63,500+
- Vegetables: 30,000+
Need for a Second National Gene Bank
- Increasing genetic resource requirements: The existing gene bank is near capacity, and a larger facility is needed.
- Rising threats: Climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and geopolitical risks endanger genetic diversity.
- Ensuring food security: Preserving a diverse range of crops can enhance productivity and nutrition in future agriculture.
- Technological advancements: New gene preservation techniques require a modernized infrastructure.
- Global leadership in biodiversity conservation: Strengthens India’s position in SAARC and BRICS regions as a biodiversity hub.
Key Features of the Second National Gene Bank
- Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 under the Ministry of Finance.
- Will have 1 million (10 lakh) germplasm lines, more than double the current capacity.
- Functions as a safety duplicate to the existing National Gene Bank, reducing risks of loss.
- Facilitates public and private sector collaboration in genetic resource management.
- Aims to support international biodiversity conservation through partnerships.
Strategic Significance for India & Global Impact
- Enhancing agricultural resilience: Helps in breeding drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and high-yield crops.
- Strengthening India’s global role: Positions India as a key player in genetic conservation and food security diplomacy.
- Contributing to global food security: Supports UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG-15 (Life on Land).
- Regional support: Assists SAARC and BRICS countries lacking robust genetic conservation infrastructure.
One Model Gram Panchayat to be developed in each District
Overview of the Initiative
- Launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj as part of International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.
- Objective: To establish one Model Gram Panchayat per district that is women and girl-friendly.
- Focus on leadership development, health, education, sanitation, and economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level.
- Supported by international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Relevance : GS 2(Local Government ,Polity)
Key Features of the Initiative
- Virtual Training Programs for elected representatives in 770 Model Gram Panchayats.
- Real-Time Monitoring Dashboard to track progress, ensure accountability, and provide data-driven policy interventions.
- Specialized leadership training for women sarpanchs to facilitate effective implementation of government schemes.
- Focus on best practices from states like Kerala, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
Role of Gram Panchayats in Women’s Health and Welfare
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of health programs.
- Health initiatives discussed:
- Ayushman Aarogya Mandir – Providing 12 types of medical services, including geriatric care, dental care, cancer screening, and telemedicine.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana & Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram – Focus on maternal and child health and institutional deliveries.
- Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) – Established in every Gram Panchayat to enhance community healthcare participation.
- Women pradhans encouraged to spread awareness of these schemes at the local level.
Women’s Leadership in Gram Panchayats
- Union MoS for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, called on women sarpanchs to take charge of implementing:
- Financial inclusion programs (Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana).
- Pension schemes for widows and differently-abled individuals.
- Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme.
- Awareness drives for organ donation and social welfare programs.
Technological Interventions & Monitoring
- Real-Time Dashboard launched to measure progress of women-friendly Gram Panchayats.
- Aimed at ensuring transparency, tracking women’s participation in governance, and strengthening grassroots leadership.
Case Studies from States
- Kerala: Jagratha Samithi – Community vigilance system for women and child safety.
- Odisha: Prevention of Social Evils – Programs addressing child marriage, gender discrimination.
- Rajasthan-UNFPA Collaboration – Development of women-friendly and child-friendly Gram Panchayats.
Women’s Reservation and Policy Framework
- Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) ensures greater representation of women in policy-making.
- Panchayat-level interventions in sanitation, menstrual hygiene, clean cooking fuel, and education.
- Shift from “women-centric” development to “women-led” development.
Future Roadmap
- Mahila Gram Sabha on 8th March 2025 – Nationwide platform for women’s issues and rural development strategies.
- Focus on gender-responsive governance, capacity-building of women leaders, and sustainable rural development.
Significance & Impact
- Strengthening women’s leadership at the grassroots level.
- Improving access to government welfare schemes for marginalized women.
- Enhancing livelihood opportunities through Panchayat-led initiatives.
- Contributing to gender equality and rural empowerment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
